As reported yesterday on MetalRiot, metal pioneer and founding member of Judas Priest K.K. Downing shocked the global music community by announcing his retirement from the band. Judas Priest has been releasing dates for the band’s upcoming Epitaph World Tour, the last for the nearly half-century old British Steel, which made Downing’s sudden retirement all the more puzzling.

Today K.K. Downing has released a statement on his website in which he throws some light on the matter: “There has been an ongoing breakdown in working relationship between myself, elements of the band, and the band’s management for some time. Therefore I have decided to step down rather than to tour with negative sentiments as I feel that this would be a deception to you, our cherished fans” says Downing, but maintains support for his old band: “I would urge you to please support the Priest as I have no doubt that it will be a show not to be missed.” (Read the full statement here.)

Instead of K.K. Downing, Judas Priest will be joined by Richie Faulkner, who at the tender age of 31 is about a decade younger than the band itself.

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The best thing I have heard yet in 2019 is "ICE watch", a completely rugged face buster from Arkansas hardcore band Terminal Nation which premiered at No Echo HERE. It will give you the insane over the top feels of a lot of heavy stuff without wondering if the band members have become weird conservative farts or are suddenly gonna cape for YAITW. The song even manages to out mosh the band's recent tune "Pulse Of The Dead" from Absolute Control.
Good news is, TN have a split out with the homies in Neckbeard Deathcamp in February (it is sure to be a big year for both bands this year) and the gossip is we might get a TN full length this year as well. If you want to feel socially responsible while still doing reprehensible shit in the pit (I mean watch out for your peeps if someone falls down...but you know what I mean), this band will be entirely your shit. Bellowed vocals, powerviolence glory and a firm anti-xenophobia message.